Harbaugh said the Ravens were “very hopeful” that Rice will practice this week and that they’re going to evaluate what he can do on the field.

“We’ll have our fingers crossed,” Harbaugh said.

If Rice is able to play, it brings more playmaking ability to the Ravens offense and could help them break out of their troubles running the ball. The Ravens also had troubles running with Rice in the first two weeks, but his addition would help balance the load with Bernard Pierce.

Baltimore is currently 31st in the league in average rushing yards per carry (2.6). The Bills are ranked 22nd in run defense, giving up 4.3 yards per carry.

“We should be hitting on all cylinders,” fullback Vonta Leach said. “Having Ray Rice means a lot to the offense.”

Veteran DE Canty Done Resting

Defensive end Chris Canty said he was somewhat close to playing last week against the Houston Texans after monitoring the progress of his groin injury. Harbaugh made the final decision that Canty didn’t suit up.

“It's just Harbs doing his Gregg Popovich impression resting the old guys,” Canty said, joking about the San Antonio Spurs head coach.

After not practicing at all last week, Canty was a limited practice participant Wednesday.

“I feel pretty good,” he said before taking the field. “It’s a day-by-day situation, but I’m excited about getting back out on that practice field today, move around a little with the guys, see as much of the game plan – first and second down – that I can and move forward.”

Neither player was mentioned as being injured in Sunday’s game versus Houston.

Defensive tackle Terrence Cody (knee sprain), running back Shaun Draughn (ankle) and center Ryan Jensen (foot), all also sat out practice. Harbaugh said on Monday that it would be a “stretch” to expect Cody back this week.

Thompson Testing Foot

Wide receiver Deonte Thompson took the next step in his recovery, and could be making a return to the field soon.

Thompson has sat out since the Ravens’ preseason opener in Tampa Bay on Aug. 8 due to a foot injury. That’s more than a month-and-a-half on the sidelines.

He was a limited practice participant Wednesday.

“I’m coming along great. Today is going to be a big day,” Thompson said before practice. “We’re going to go out there, throw a lot on it and see how it holds up. I wouldn’t say I have any concern. There’s still some soreness there. Other than that it’s just another injury.”

The Ravens ruled out wide receiver Jacoby Jones for the third straight week.

Rookie linebacker Arthur Brown also got back out on the field Wednesday.

After not practicing last week due to a chest injury, Brown was a limited practice participant at the start of this week.

Brown played in the first two games and made one tackle and had a half-sack against the Browns. He’s working into the defense behind Josh Bynes and playing special teams.

Banged-Up Bills

Buffalo has injury concerns on the defensive line and secondary.

Starting cornerbacks Stephon Gilmore (wrist) and Leodis McKelvin (hamstring) didn’t practice Wednesday. Pro Bowl safety Jarius Byrd (foot) was limited after not playing last week against the New York Jets.

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